Former President Donald Trump recently made a false claim that President Biden and Vice President Harris received "poor grades" for their response to Hurricane Helene, particularly in North Carolina. In reality, the Biden administration's handling of the hurricane has received bipartisan praise from political leaders, including Republican governors from the affected states. Republican leaders such as South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin have praised the federal response for its speed and effectiveness. North Carolina’s Gov. Roy Cooper also thanked Biden for his prompt support and commitment to recovery efforts.
The response from the Biden administration has been largely positive, with FEMA and other federal agencies actively assisting states hit hardest by the hurricane. The administration’s swift actions have been recognized, even by Republican governors, contradicting Trump’s assertion.
South Carolina Gov. McMaster highlighted the administration's quick communication and support, while Virginia’s Youngkin noted his appreciation for FEMA's cooperation. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee echoed these sentiments, describing the federal response as rapid and coordinated.
In North Carolina, where Trump claimed Biden was failing, Gov. Cooper has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the federal assistance. During a briefing with Biden, Cooper emphasized the strong support from both the president and FEMA, reinforcing that recovery efforts were already in motion across the state.